It is one of the most striking moments in David's life, and it began with a sigh.
The Setting
At harvest time, three of the thirty chief men came down to David at the cave of Adullam. A band of Philistines was camped in the Valley of Rephaim, and a Philistine garrison held Bethlehem, David's hometown (2 Samuel 23:13–14; 1 Chronicles 11:15–16).
The Longing
David said longingly, "Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!" (2 Samuel 23:15, KJV). It was not an order. It was a homesick wish.
The Break-Through
Three mighty men took it as their mission. They broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well by the gate, and carried it back to David (2 Samuel 23:16). The text calls them "three of the thirty chief"; it does not name them, though they are recorded right after the Three, and many readers connect the deed with them.
The Offering
David would not drink it. He poured it out to the LORD.
Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it.— 2 Samuel 23:17 (KJV)
The water was too costly for any man to drink. It belonged to God alone. 1 Chronicles 11:19 records the same words: "for with the jeopardy of their lives they brought it."
What This Teaches Fathers and Sons
Loyalty that does not wait for an order. A leader who refuses to treat his men's sacrifice as cheap. And both of them giving honor to God.
41 bold coloring pages of King David's warriors, straight from 2 Samuel 23 and 1 Chronicles 11. Ages 5–99+. Paperback, $9.99.
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